As a parent, you never want to see your child suffering, but allergies can just make kids miserable. Some common symptoms of allergies include an itchy or runny nose, sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, skin rashes, and stomach aches after eating. If your child has these symptoms, take them to their pediatrician to ensure that their symptoms are due to allergies rather than from another condition. Once you know that your child is suffering from allergies, you can utilize these suggestions to help relieve your child’s symptoms.
Avoid Allergens
The best way to relieve allergy symptoms is to help your child avoid his allergies in the first place. Keep your child indoors when pollen counts are high. According to WebMD, pollen counts are highest in mid-morning, early evening, and when it is windy. When it comes to things like this it is a good idea to turn on the air conditioning, and keep the windows in your home and car closed when pollen counts are high. When your child comes in from playing outside you may also want to have them wash their hands and change his clothes right away.
If your child is allergic to a household pet, don’t allow the pet into your child’s room. Not only does that bring allergens into your child’s space, but it leaves them there. If the family pet spends time outside, you may want to consider bathing her more often during allergy season. Don’t serve your child any foods he is allergic to, and inform anyone else who cares for your child about his allergies as well.
Neti Pot
Nasal irrigation with a neti pot may be a good way for an older child to relieve her allergy symptoms. Nasal irrigation works by thinning the mucus in the nasal passages and flushing it out. You can purchase saline solution at the store or make your own to use with the neti pot. To make your own saline solution, mix one teaspoon of salt into 16 ounces of lukewarm distilled, purified, or previously boiled water. Be sure to teach your child how to use the neti pot appropriately. Most neti pots will come with an instruction insert you should follow.
Medication
There are many over-the-counter and prescription medications you can give your child to help relieve his allergy symptoms. Before giving any medication to your child, consult your child’s pediatrician. There are different types of medications that can be used to relieve allergy symptoms. Antihistamines are medications that block histamine. Histamine is a chemical that causes allergy symptoms and is released by the immune system during an allergy attack, according to Mayo Clinic. Some examples of antihistamines include Benadryl, Claritin, Xyzal, Zyrtec, Allegra, Astepro, Astelin, Zaditor, Optivar, Visine-A, and Pataday. Oral antihistamines may relieve itchy and watery eyes, runny nose, and hives.
Decongestants are useful for fast, temporary relief of nasal congestion. Zyrtec-D, Allegra-D, Claritin-D, Afrin, and Tyzine are all examples of decongestants. Decongestants may cause drowsiness, irritability, headaches, insomnia, and increased blood pressure.
According to Mayo Clinic, corticosteroids work by suppressing allergy-related inflammation. Rhinocort Aqua, Flonase, Dymista, and Nasonex are corticosteroid nasal sprays that prevent and relieve nasal congestion. Oral corticosteroids are typically used for severe allergy symptoms, and long-term use can lead to osteoporosis, stomach ulcers, cataracts, muscle weakness, increased blood sugar, and delayed growth in children. Flo-Pred, Rayos, and Prelone are a few examples of oral corticosteroids.
If you are interested in medication to help relieve your child’s allergy symptoms, please discuss it with your child’s pediatrician. They will be able to help you determine which medication is most appropriate for your child’s situation. By talking to a professional about things like this you can make sure that you are providing your child with the best help and care possible.
Dietary Recommendations:
According to Mercola, research has shown that individuals who take probiotics during allergy season have lower levels of an antibody that triggers allergy symptoms. Additionally, the research found that individuals taking probiotics had higher levels of a different antibody, IgG, thought to help protect against allergic reactions.
Make sure your child is getting enough vitamin D, as research has shown that inadequate levels of vitamin D in children are linked to more severe allergies and asthma. Good sources of vitamin D include fatty fish, such as tuna, salmon, and mackerel, beef liver, cheese, egg yolks, and milk and orange juice fortified with vitamin D.
If your child suffers from allergy symptoms, such as a runny or stuffy nose, itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, coughing, or skin rashes, take her to her pediatrician for allergy testing. Once it has been determined that your child is suffering with allergies, talk to her doctor about trying one or more of these suggestions to help relieve her symptoms.